nofb wrote on Jun 25, 2015, 14:26:
Yes, it's quite pricey and about on par with Fanatec (at least here in Europe), do the wheel and pedals really justify such a high price? Not that I'd dare buy a Fanatec after seeing disturbing reports on the overall quality and noise (now, maybe there are as many for the other brands too).

Fanatec products are like a fickle sports car, the time spent trouble shooting performance issues and completing part replacement make up 30% of my time! Every Fanatec product I've owned has developed minor or major issues, but all have been gracefully handled through Fanatec support (although impatient owners without backup peripherals will claim to have a significantly different experience).

I stick with Fanatec because I like supporting the innovative underdog that's trying to push the market in the direction its customers want (universal hub). In contrast, Logitech has been pumping out the G25/G27 for 9 years, and Thrustmaster has been riding the T500RS for 4 years (but neither the TX nor T300RS are full on revolutions in design).

The Logitech G290 reminds me of VW reintroducing the Beetle in the late 90s: the higher price and change in driving mechanics immediately make it an inferior product compared to its predecessor, even though it is "better" in every way.

It certainly doesn't give a very good impression from a company when their support and their PR give contradictory information about the end of a product. Time will tell I suppose.

The demand has allegedly soared these last weeks due to the success of pCars, that could explain the shortage. On the other end, those are old products, even Logitech has ended the G27 and announced the G290.

theglaze wrote on Jun 25, 2015, 13:08:
I call BULLSHIT!

Amazon Pricing:
Thrustmaster T500RS = $584
Thrustmaster TX + T3PA-PRO = $482
Thrustmaster T300RS + T3PA-PRO = $587

Not only is the T500RS listed as the 26th of 26 wheel products on Thrustmaster website's Wheel product page, but it does not support either PS4 or XB1. Even if a new buyer was going to exclusively use a wheel for the PC, it's still a smarter choice to go with the TX or T300RS because of resell value.

Then consider that a new buyer can buy a TX (plus the upgraded pedals) for $100 LESS THAN the cost of the +4 year old T500RS (without a brushless motor) or support their latest gear shifter.

Clearly then, it's a product that must be discontinued or replaced by an updated PC-only wheel. My guess is the rumor is right, but Thurstmaster still has a lot of T500RS in the distribution channel and are hoping to sucker in some poor schmucks who are dishing out almost $600 and expecting the best.

At least sell the soon-to-be-discontinued T500RS for a discount, Thrustmaster, you jerks.

Yes, it's quite pricey and about on par with Fanatec (at least here in Europe), do the wheel and pedals really justify such a high price? Not that I'd dare buy a Fanatec after seeing disturbing reports on the overall quality and noise (now, maybe there are as many for the other brands too).

I call BULLSHIT!

Amazon Pricing:
Thrustmaster T500RS = $584
Thrustmaster TX + T3PA-PRO = $482
Thrustmaster T300RS + T3PA-PRO = $587

Not only is the T500RS listed as the 26th of 26 wheel products on Thrustmaster website's Wheel product page, but it does not support either PS4 or XB1. Even if a new buyer was going to exclusively use a wheel for the PC, it's still a smarter choice to go with the TX or T300RS because of resell value.

Then consider that a new buyer can buy a TX (plus the upgraded pedals) for $100 LESS THAN the cost of the +4 year old T500RS (without a brushless motor) or support their latest gear shifter.

Clearly then, it's a product that must be discontinued or replaced by an updated PC-only wheel. My guess is the rumor is right, but Thurstmaster still has a lot of T500RS in the distribution channel and are hoping to sucker in some poor schmucks who are dishing out almost $600 and expecting the best.

At least sell the soon-to-be-discontinued T500RS for a discount, Thrustmaster, you jerks.